No more buildup — after years of construction, the Seattle Convention Center’s new $2 billion addition will open in January. Named the Summit, it’s billed as North America’s first high-rise convention center.

Local crainiacs who’ve been following this massive project know that the shiny new structures covering 1.5 million sqft hope to be a game-changer for the city’s events and tourism industry. Initial estimates show it could bring in ~$260 million per year in revenue and create 2,300 new jobs. That’s not to mention all those Seattle Dogs sold outside.

Here’s a sneak peak at the Summit — full tours are available in late January.

Room to roam

The new addition includes ~570,000 sqft of event space, 62 meeting rooms, a garden terrace, and a massive ballroom — we can just see our gowns flowing now.

Overall, it nearly doubles the capacity for the Convention Center and is expected to draw around 80,000 people over the next two years. And, yes, that includes all the cool cosplayers that will show up for the anime fan fest Sakura Con.

How green is this thing?

Look up and you’ll see solar panels that were installed to improve the building’s energy usage by 30%, reclaimed wood in the ballroom, and ceiling tiles made from sustainable materials.

Plus, those strolling along can take advantage of the Summit’s pedestrian connections from Capitol Hill to the downtown area. The Summit is also part of a $93 million “community investments” package that includes money for open public spaces.

Events on the horizon

AWP Conference and Bookfair | March 8-11 | The Association of Writers and Writing Programs hosts the largest marketplace for indie presses and lit organizations in the US.
Northwest Event Show | March 15-16 | An event for events you say? This trade convention helps venues plan out stellar shindigs.
SHAPE 2023 National Convention & Expo | March 28-April 1 | Here’s where teachers and other school authorities gather to chat about physical education — get those jump ropes ready.